Bangkok: The Prime Minister revealed that the government is focusing on economic relief and assistance for flood victims, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the need for expedited insurance payments. He confirmed that the government remains vigilant, authorizing Deputy Prime Ministers and Ministers to manage flood-affected areas with authority comparable to his own.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, announced the outcomes of a recent meeting aimed at discussing relief measures to alleviate the economic burden on entrepreneurs and businesses in flood-affected regions. The discussions involved relevant agencies and focused on providing support to flood victims, particularly in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province. A framework has been established for relief and rehabilitation efforts in the affected areas and neighboring provinces. The meeting laid out plans to allocate budgets and integrate resources and communication networks to ensure a coordinated response, with emergency regulations allowing for operational flexibility.
The Prime Minister stressed that today’s meeting at the Ministry of Finance was centered on providing relief and economic support to both individuals and legal entities affected by the floods. He noted his presence at the scene, coordinating efforts with administrative officials, police, military, and various security agencies. The Prime Minister reviewed the assistance budget, receiving cooperation from relevant ministries such as the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, and agencies like the Office of Insurance Commission, which is tasked with expediting insurance payments.
The Prime Minister assured that the government is using every available moment to expedite assistance to those affected, including financial aid measures such as tax breaks, debt repayment suspensions, and interest-free loans for shop repairs. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, along with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Captain Thammanat Prompao, have been on-site for several days, focusing efforts on reducing water levels and providing comprehensive assistance. The Prime Minister noted improvements in the situation.
Additionally, orders have been issued to Deputy Prime Ministers and other ministers to oversee flood-affected provinces, granting them authority to issue directives comparable to those of the Prime Minister. In Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, an Emergency Decree has been declared, enabling full integration of relief efforts.
The Prime Minister also tasked the Minister of Public Health with reassuring patients and supporting hospitals in neighboring provinces, while preparing field hospitals if necessary. He encouraged the public to trust the daily press conferences from the Flood Emergency Operations Center for accurate information, warning against misinformation from other channels. To ensure public awareness, he requested that press conferences be held twice daily and instructed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior to coordinate with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces in affected areas for maximum flexibility.